Comparative study of photodegradation of wood by a UV laser and a xenon light source

A detailed study of photodegradation of wood surfaces by xenon light source and a UV laser has been carried out. Silver birch, rubberwood, Scots pine and chir pine wood veneers were irradiated with a xenon light source or a 244 nm argon ion laser. The changes in chemical structure of wood surfaces were monitored by UV resonance Raman (UVRR), photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared (FTIR-PAS) and UV-vis reflectance spectroscopies. The depth profile of xenon lamp irradiated wood surfaces was carried out by measuring FTIR-PAS spectra at different moving mirror velocities. The UVRR and FTIR-PAS spectra of irradiated wood surfaces showed degradation of aromatic structure in lignin combined with strong formation of carbonyl structures. The FTIR-PAS spectra measured from xenon irradiated wood surfaces indicate that hardwood lignin degrades at a faster rate than softwood lignin. The UVRR spectra of xenon irradiated wood show a significant decrease in the intensities of aromatic structures at 1602 cm⁻¹. This is accompanied by a significant band broadening and notable shift towards longer wavenumbers, which has been attributed to the formation of o- and p-quinone structures as degradation products. The formation of quinone structures was also supported by the generation of a broad absorption band between 350 and 600 nm in UV-vis reflectance spectra of irradiated wood surfaces. There was a significant broadening in the region of 1500-1000 cm⁻¹ in UVRR spectra due to the formation of unsaturated structures as a result of lignin degradation. The UVRR spectra of laser irradiated wood showed similar behaviour i.e., overall broadening and a rapid reduction in the intensity of lignin aromatic structure. The rate of degradation by laser was very high. However, the extent of band broadening was higher in xenon irradiated wood indicating the generation of several different types of structures as compared to laser irradiation, which produces only particular type of structures. UVRR spectra of laser irradiated Whatman paper showed significant photodegradation of cellulose by UV laser. The UV degradation rate of lignin was much higher than cellulose.     

Thermal degradation of ethanolamine treated poly(vinyl chloride)/wood flour composites

The influence of ethanolamine treatment of wood flour on the thermal degradation behaviour of PVC/wood flour composites was investigated. The decomposition of untreated and treated wood flour and PVC/wood flour composites was measured using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TGA indicated an accelerated degradation of the composite after treatment in a temperature range between 240 and 350 °C. This was caused by a synergistic decomposition of treated wood flour and polymer. Additionally, the colour of the material was measured in order to analyse the effect of the treatment. The lightness of the composite was reduced with increasing ethanolamine concentration.     

Influences of extractives on the photodegradation of wood

Wood is susceptible to photodegradation when exposed to light. In addition to three main components of wood, the influence of extractives on photodegradation is not fully understood. This study examines the role of wood extractives in photodegradation process, and so the variations in the surface properties of non-extracted and extracted Cryptomeria japonica and Acacia confusa heartwood were examined after exposure to ultraviolet light. FTIR and UV-visible techniques were used to analyze the variations in chemical characteristics on the wood surfaces after irradiation. Following the lightfastness test, the contents of quinonoids and carbonyl groups derived from the lignin increased. However, the wood surface deteriorated less when the extractives existed. In conclusion, extractives play an essential role in the photodegradation of wood, and the rate of wood degradation was lessened by the presence of extractives.     

Colour change of co-doped yttrium aluminium borate crystals under illumination with different white light sources

A colour change of doped YAB crystals and microcrystalline powders takes place upon illumination with different white light sources. This paper presents extensive experimental data on the new materials Ho,Nd:YAB; Ho,Cr:YAB, Nd,Cr:YAB and Ho,Nd,Cr:YAB, resulting in a chart providing the observed crystal colours and chromaticity differences of the materials under illumination with seven different types of white light sources. The microcrystalline powders could be used as coatings in order to produce a special colour changing effect. Furthermore, the colour table presented enables the observer to discriminate the investigated light sources at one glance.      

The efficacy of photostabilizers on the color change of wood filled plastic composites

In this study, we compared the performance of different hindered amine light stabilizers and ultraviolet absorbers as photostabilizers of wood plastic composites (WPC). We showed how their functional groups and molecular weights influence the photostabilization of WPC subjected to natural weathering for 2000 h. The changes were followed using color measurements and FTIR spectroscopy which provided insight into the photodegradation mechanism of weathered WPC.The results indicate that weathering causes color fading and changes in yellowing. We propose that WPC undergo two competing redox reactions upon UV exposure. The first is the oxidation of lignin which leads to the formation of paraquinone chromophoric structures which is dominant in the first 250 h of exposure. The second is the reduction of the paraquinone structures to hydroquinones which leads to photobleaching.High molecular weight diester HALS were found to be the most effective in controlling long term fading and yellowing changes. Furthermore, the addition of a benzotriazole ultraviolet absorber shows great synergism in controlling fading when added to a diester HALS.     

The effect of chemical modification on the strength of wood and bonded wood joints

The effect of propionic, crotonic or methacrylic anhydride (MA) modification on the lab joint strength of monomer bonded veneer strips was investigated. Lap joints were formed by hot pressing veneers of modified wood with monomer in the presence of free radical initiator and bond strength was determined on an Automatic Bonding Evaluation System tensile tester. Test results indicated that chemical treatment improved bond quality between hydrophilic wood and hydrophobic monomer. Extremely strong bonds (wet and dry conditions) formed in the case of MA modified veneer strips. In addition, the effect of chemical modification on the mechanical properties of strips was also investigated. Chemical modification had a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties.     

Drying and pyrolysis of wood particles: experiments and simulation

The objective of this study is to develop a flexible and stable numerical method to predict the thermal decomposition of large wood particles due to drying and pyrolysis. At a later stage, this model is applied to each particle of a packed bed and thus, forms the entire packed bed process as a sum of individual particle processes. Therefore, this approach can deal with particles of different sizes, shapes and properties. A general formulation of the conservation equations allows the geometry of a fuel particle to be treated as a plate, cylinder or sphere. The various processes such as heat-up, drying and pyrolysis are described by a set of one-dimensional and transient conservation equations for mass and energy. This allows for simultaneous processes e.g. reactions in time and covers the entire range between transport-limited (shrinking core) and kinetically limited (reacting core) reaction regimes. The particles interact with a gas phase by heat and mass transfer taking into account the Stefan correction due to the gas outflow during conversion. Experiments carried out span a temperature range between T=300 and 900 °C for particle sizes varying between 8 and 17 mm. A comparison between measurements and predictions of drying models yielded satisfactory agreement only for the constant evaporation temperature model and thus, indicating, that the drying process is transport limited by heat transfer for large wood particles. Likewise, predicted results of pyrolysis for the above-mentioned range of temperatures and sizes agreed satisfactorily with measurements.     

The effect of light on the viscosity and molecular mass of nitrocellulose

The photodegradation of a series of nitrocellulose (NC) samples with nitrogen contents ranging from 11.69% to 13.55% has been investigated by observing changes in molecular mass and viscosity using, respectively, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and a modified cone and plate rheometer. When NC in γ-butyrolactone was subjected to UV light in the range 320-390 nm its specific viscosity (η_sp) was found to decrease noticeably, a change attributed to polymer chain scission and de-aggregation. This view was supported by an observed reduction in the mass average molecular mass (M_w). In contrast, irradiation with a single wavelength at 365 nm did not significantly change either η_sp or M_w and similar behaviour was observed when NC solutions were irradiated with visible light (400-500 nm). In the solid state, the photodegradation of water-wet NC is faster than that of the dried material, which is attributed to the catalytic effect of acids formed from the reaction between water and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) arising from NC decomposition. A higher degree of crystallinity in the NC, as found by X-ray diffraction (XRD), was shown to lead to a smaller decrease in viscosity and molecular mass. This is thought to be because the photodegradation reaction is suppressed in crystalline NC by more effective radical-radical recombination.     

Emission of gases and degradation volatiles from polymeric wood constituents in friction welding of wood dowels

Analysis of volatile compounds and gases emitted as smoke at the welding interface during rotational wood dowel welding of a hardwood (beech) and of a softwood (Norway spruce) has shown that the compounds in such a smoke are water vapour, CO₂, degradation compounds from wood polymeric carbohydrates and from amorphous lignin, as well as some volatile terpenes, these latter only for the softwood used, Norway spruce. The main carbohydrates contributing to the volatile compounds are xylans for beech and glucomannans for spruce. Numerous compounds, in very small proportions derived from the degradation and rearrangement reactions of lignin, have also been identified. The proportion of CO₂ emitted is very low, and neither CO nor methane is emitted due to the relatively low temperature of dowel welding. Experiments at temperature slightly higher than that of dowel welding but prolonged in time have shown that the main component of the smoke produced during welding appears to be water vapour.     

Water molecule-induced hydrogen bonding between cellulose nanofibers toward highly strong and tough materials from wood aerogel

Lightweight, highly strong and bio-based structural materials remain a long-lasting challenge. Here, inspired by nacre, a lightweight and high mechanical performance cellulosic material was fabricated via a facile and effective top-down approach and the resulting material has a high tensile strength of 149.21 MPa and toughness of 1.91 MJ/m³. More specifically, the natural balsawood (NW) was subjected to a simple chemical treatment, removing most lignin and partial hemicellulose, follow by freeze-drying, forming wood aerogel (WA). The delignification process produced many pores and exposed numerous aligned cellulose nanofibers. Afterwards, the WA absorbed a quantity of moisture and was directly densified to form above high-performance cellulosic material. Such treatment imitates highly ordered “brick-and-mortar” arrangement of nacre, in which water molecules plays the role of mortar and cellulose nanofibrils make the brick part. The lightweight and good mechanical properties make this material promising for new energy car, aerospace, etc. This paper also explains the strengthening mechanism for making biomimetic materials by water molecules-induced hydrogen bonding and will open a new path for designing high-performance bio-based structural materials.     

Influence of carbon on the interfacial contact angle between alumina and liquid aluminum

The wetting of alumina by pure liquid aluminum was investigated over the temperature range 900–1300°C by the sessile drop method under a dynamic vacuum of 10^?4–10^?5 Pa. When the substrate is carbon coated, the terminal contact angle is reduced to 40° at 1300°C for times longer than 4500 s. In the absence of carbon, the final angle is 82° for the same conditions. Reactive wetting is suggested by the observation of undercutting of the substrate and ridge formation at the leading edge of the liquid aluminum in all carbon‐coated samples. Based on energy considerations, the following is among the thermodynamically favorable reactions: 4Al + 3C → Al₄C₃. Possible mechanisms for the observed carbon‐enhanced wettability in the system are discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

CP-MAS C NMR and FT-IR investigation of the degradation reactions of polymer constituents in wood welding

The essential chemical modifications involving the polymeric constituents of wood in friction welding occur in the first 5-6 s slowing down or even stopping afterwards. FT-IR and CP-MAS ¹³C NMR of the welded area of wood have shown dehydration and an apparent increase in the crystallinity of cellulose. A certain level of hemicelluloses degradation occurs, accompanied by the generation of some furfural. Cellulose degradation is instead very slight. Both analytical techniques show an increase in the proportion of lignin in the welding interphase. A proportion of methoxy groups of lignin is de-etherified to phenolic hydroxy groups. Self-condensation of lignin occurs by internal rearrangement with the formation of Ar-Ar and Ar-CH₂-Ar bridges. This progresses throughout the whole process of welding. The formation of C-O-C bridges, although stopping after 6 s welding, at the start of wood carbonisation, also appears to contribute to the increase in cross-linking of the lignin network.     

Biodegradation of a vegetable oil based polyurethane and wood flour composites

The biodegradation of a new tung oil based polyurethane and a derived wood flour (WF) composite was followed during 383 days of exposure to soil or vermiculite media. The hydrolytic degradation was the most important mechanism of deterioration in all cases. A shift of the glass transition towards higher temperatures was observed, which was explained as the result of the preferential attack and removal of free or dangling-pendant chains that plasticize the original material. The contact angle of water was observed to decrease with exposure to soil and vermiculite media, denoting changes in the surface of the material that increased its polarity. Simultaneously, changes in color and fracture surfaces were also evident.     

Characterization of proteins separated by displacement chromatography using low angle laser light scattering photometry

Summary -Lactoglobulin A and B (-LACT) were separated by displacement chromatography (DSC) on an ionexchange column using dextran sulfate as the displacer. A LALLS photometer and a UV detector, in series, were used to determine the molecular weight (MW) of the proteins, on-line. The results indicate that both, -LACT A and B, were present as dimers in the buffer used for the mobile phase. The MWs of the proteins were about 6–8% higher than the theoretical MW of a dimer (37,000). Additional control studies have shown the presence of a high molecular weight species in both the proteins, which could possibly be an aggregate. This species was observed in the LALLS signal but was nearly absent in the UV signal. Our work has demonstrated the feasibility of interfacing LALLS with displacement chromatography for detecting impurities or aggregates which may be difficult to detect by conventional detectors used for chromatography.     

聚合物与有机染料多层复合膜电致发光颜色的直流电压调制

聚合物与有机染料多层复合膜电致发光颜色的直流电压调制马於光，薛善华，黄劲松，田文晶，刘式墉，沈家骢，刘晓冬（吉林大学分子光谱与分子结构开放实验室，集成光电子学国家重点实验室，长春，１３００２３）（白求恩医科大学，长春，１３００２３）关键词聚合物，发光...     

Small angle x-ray scattering study of ultra-high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) gamma irradiated in bulk

The effect of gamma irradiation on the structure of ultra-high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (UHMWPEO) has been investigated by small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). The pressed and irradiated polymer possesses quite strong diffuse scattering. That fact makes the direct determination of the main structural parameters very difficult. To solve the problem a modification of the standard evaluating methods is suggested. Thus, the separation of the porous scattering from that of structural formations of PEO becomes possible. The application of a collimation correction according to Schmidt's method enables to separate diffuse and discrete parts in the scattering. Dependences of the long period, the gyration radii, and the difference between densities of crystalline and amorphous phases on the irradiation dose show that the irradiation increases the density of amorphous areas. A packing of the lamellar aggregates and increase of the porous sizes are observed.     

Improved method for extraction of aroma compounds in aged brandies and aqueous alcoholic wood extracts using ultrasound

This work presents a rapid method for dichloromethane extraction of aroma compounds from brandies and aqueous-alcoholic wood extracts, in brandy-like ageing conditions, using ultrasound. The dichloromethane extracts were injected in split mode on a gas chromatographic (GC) system, separated on a DB-WAX capillary column and detected by flame ionisation. The method allowed satisfactory quantification of 37 volatile compounds in brandies (alcohols, esters, acids, furanics, aldehydes and phenols) and 16 volatile compounds in aqueous-alcoholic oak extracts. Linear responses were obtained (0.99-1.00). The repeatability and the detection and quantification limits were also evaluated. The analysis of spiked samples showed that matrix effects do not affect the method performance for the majority of the volatile compounds analysed.     

Enlightening the influence of mordant, dyeing technique and photodegradation on the colour hue of textiles dyed with madder - A chromatographic and spectrometric approach

Wool samples were dyed with madder and alum, copper, and iron salts at different concentration by pre-mordanting (MD) and simultaneous mordanting (M + D) procedures. Samples were artificially aged to identify the influence of the mordant on the madder chromophores photodegradation. A set of analytical techniques was used for complete characterisation of the dyed fibres before and after light exposure, which included colour and chromophore analysis (colourimetry and LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis), determination of mordant ions amounts in the fibres (FAAS and ICP-OES analysis), morphological characterisation of the fibres and punctual chemical analysis (SEM-EDS studies).Fibre colour hue was found to be dependent on the mordant ion nature, mordant bath concentration and dyeing procedure. Mordant ion quantification showed that the uptake of metal ion by the fibres is relatively small, with the Cu ion presenting the highest affinity for the fibre. MD method yields fibres with higher amounts of metal ions and larger chromophore chromatographic peak areas corresponding, in general, to stronger colour hues. Photodegradation was more severe in alum mordant samples and in the first 480 h of light exposure. Chromophore degradation rates are unequal and dependent on the mordant nature, contributing for colour changes observed after light exposure.     

Thermal and catalytic decomposition of wood impregnated with sulfur- and phosphorus-containing ammonium salts

The decomposition of fir wood, impregnated with diammonium sulfate and diammonium phosphate, has been investigated with a laboratory scale reactor together with gas-chromatographic analysis of gas and condensable organics. The dependence of products and other process variables on the salt concentration in the wood (from 0 to about 20% on a dry wood basis) and the heating temperature (650-900 K) is qualitatively similar for the two cases. Given heating temperatures of about 650-750 K and using as a reference water-extracted wood, diammonium sulfate and diammonium phosphate concentrations of about 1% are apt to cause a small increase (factors of 1.2-2) in the yields of levoglucosan, 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde and 2-acetylfuran, whereas values in the range 2-5% highly augment the yields of levoglucosenone and 2-furaldehyde (factors of 14-16 and 3-2, respectively). Salt concentrations above 10% confer excellent fire retardance properties of wood with total yields of water and char up to about 70 and 85% and ratio values of non-combustible to combustible volatile products up to 3.5 and 6.5, respectively. The displacement of the reaction process at lower temperatures, the higher exothermicity associated with the enhanced char formation, the reduced convective cooling and the endothermicity of salt decomposition also highly affect the conversion times and the overall rates of volatile species release.     

Correlation between heating values and thermogravimetric data of sewage sludge, herbaceous crops and wood samples

The thermal behaviours of a sewage sludge sample, woody (black locust, poplar and willow) and herbaceous (energy grass and wheat straw) biomass as well as mixed (sewage sludge and black locust in ratios 1:1 and 1:3) samples were compared under inert and oxidative atmosphere. The thermogravimetric experiments of each sample demonstrate that the beginning temperature of decomposition is similar in inert and oxidative atmospheres, i.e. the primary bond scissions are not affected by the atmosphere. Nevertheless, oxygen increases the decomposition rate and the volatile evolution of all samples at higher temperatures. Thermogravimetry/mass spectrometry (TG/MS) experiments have been performed to determine the mass loss of the samples and the formation of volatile products as a function of temperature in inert atmosphere. Wood and herbaceous biomass samples evolved various organic products (aldehydes, ketones, acids, furan derivatives, etc.) beside water and gaseous products. Sewage sludge released mainly water, carbon oxides, methane, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, ketones, acids as well as sulphur- and nitrogen-containing products. High heating value and low heating value of the samples have been determined by a bomb calorimeter. Principal component analysis (PCA) has been used to find statistical correlation between the data. The results unambiguously support the correlation between the thermogravimetric parameters (e.g. DTG_max) and the heating values of the samples.